How to Do Shanghai in 12 Hours or Less

Lesley Ann Murphy's must-visit locales.

By
Todd Plummer

Dec 14, 2018

Courtesy of Lesley Ann Murphy

If Shanghai isn't on your bucket list, then add it. Not only does it boast more history and culture than you can imagine, it's also become a major travel destination. It's an ancient capital and a modern megalopolis where traditional culture and modern tastes collide in spectacular fashion.

We’ve enlisted the help of Lesley Anne Murphy of The Road Les Traveled to help navigate this cosmopolitan city for some of her favorite must-do’s, insider haunts, and all the most glamorous pit stops—for when you only have 12 hours to spend.

Any trip to Shanghai needs to start with a stroll along the Bund. It’s this massive waterfront walkway that encompasses the two sides of Shanghai—the historic, colonial French Concession on one side, and the glittering, futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong on the other. (The street vendors here sell very strong coffee, if you need it.)

Later on, you can head over towards Yu Gardenfor some greenery and old-world vibes. Dating back to the 16th century, these gardens are an essential visit (and Instagram backdrop) for anyone visiting the city. Plus, there are dozens of shops and café’s in this area where you can pickup souvenirs and snacks to bring home. I scored a couple of lacquered chopsticks and a perfect little porcelain tea set.

Lunch: Shanghai’s best soup dumplings

Courtesy of Lesley Ann Murphy

It’s no secret that I can’t get enough xiao long bao, and if I only have 12 hours in Shanghai, you can be sure I'm eating them at every meal. These soup-filled dumplings are so soft that you could use them as a pillow, and the best place to have them for a mid-day meal is Din Tai Fung.

Located in the bustling Xintiandi neighborhood, there's always an energetic lunch scene. Any foodie passing through will stop in for a meal here before they jet off.

Afternoon: Shopping for keepsakes

After lunch, hop in a taxi and make your way over to Tianzifang in the historic French Concession neighborhood. It’s a series of interconnected alleyways lined with all sorts of boutiques and cafés, perfect to peruse for a memento.

The bicycles, hanging laundry, antique walls, and tiles showcase Old Shanghai, but the shops highlight a different world—everything from traditional housewares to modern gifts and everything in between. I had a friend help me find the perfect qipao, a traditional Chinese dress.

Dinner: Contemporary Cantonese at Jin Xuan

Courtesy of Lesley Ann Murphy

TheRitz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudongfills the top floors of a 58-story all-glass skyscraper that gleams like crystal among the futuristic skyscrapers along Shanghai’s iconic Bund waterfront, and its interiors exude the glamor of 1930’s Art Deco.

That sexy vibe continues at Jin Xuan, an in-the-clouds restaurant located on the hotel’s 53rd floor, and coincidentally one of the best spots for elegant xiao long bao in town. Michelin-star Chef Daniel Wong’s contemporary take on Cantonese cuisine is an excellent cure for jet lag.

Later: Flair Bar

Shopaholics love that The Ritz-Carlton connects to the couture-filled IFC mall, but I love coming after dark to the rooftop Flair Bar for drinks. It has the most epic views of the Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower. There isn’t a better place in the city to celebrate a successful day taking in all that Shanghai has to offer. And there isn’t a better place to snap a couple Instagrams before jetting off to your next destination.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Harper's BAZAAR participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.